Appreciation for emphasis on belief in the Supreme Being in education; education as a national resource; summer recess as an opportunity for moral awareness
By the Grace of G-d
15th of Iyar, 5741 (May 19, 1981)
Brooklyn, N.Y.
President Ronald Reagan
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Greeting and Blessing:
Having just read excerpts from your address on May 17, I wish to let you know that I was both impressed and gratified to note your remarks on the role of education. I refer, particularly, to the following quotations which, though spoken in different contexts in the course of your address, are truly basic:
The noblest of man (is) molding the character of man.
... For America, the time has come to dare to show the world that our civilized ideas, our traditions, our values, are not – like the ideology and war machine of totalitarian societies – a facade of strength. It is time the world knew our intellectual and spiritual values are rooted in the source of real strength – a belief in a Supreme Being, a Law higher than our own.
When you, Mr. President, speak of the Nation’s intellectual and spiritual values, you are surely mindful of the fact that these values are cultivated and acquired through education, the primary function of which is the molding of character.
Moreover, you have, in effect, defined education as a national resource of the highest importance. Hence, while under the American system, public education is mainly the responsibility of state and local government, but being that the essential character and quality of education is measured not merely in terms of knowledge and technical skills, but more importantly in terms of moral values and spiritual strength – this is certainly the proper province and responsibility of the central government. Surely there is no more vital national resource than the one from which the nation must draw its spiritual strength.
We confidently look forward to the implementation of your espoused principles through the Department of Education. And, needless to say, since the matter concerns the growing generation, growing and developing day by day, time is of the essence.
With the summer recess approaching, one cannot help wondering how many juveniles could be encouraged to use their free time productively, rather than getting into mischief – if they were mindful of – to quote your words – a Supreme being and a Law higher than man’s.
I take this opportunity of again acknowledging very gratefully your kind sentiments and good wishes.
With utmost esteem and blessing,
Cordially, M. Schneerson
